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State Legislature kicks off new session

The new year brings a fresh start for state lawmakers, who hope to break free from recent scandals and focus on several reform measures.

The House and Senate kicked off the 2010 legislative session Wednesday, with the House debating an education reform bill all day until finally passing the measure early this morning. The Senate passed a similar measure in the fall.

The first day of formal sessions came after a nearly two-month recess that started before Thanksgiving, and a day after a third state senator in less than two years resigned.

Expanded gambling is expected to top an agenda this year that will likely include a second pass at transportation, pension and ethics reform measures. Senate President Therese Murray, D-Plymouth, said legislation cracking down on texting behind the wheel, a controversial holdover from last year, is also on the docket.

The fiscal message in both chambers was that lawmakers should prepare for another year rife with spending reductions and budget cuts. But in contrast to last session, which saw a sales tax increase and heated debate over a higher gas tax, no new tax measures are on the horizon.